How do fossils of the animals archaeopteryx provide evidence that birds evolved from one group of dinosaurs
Fossils of the animal Archaeopteryx provide evidence that birds evolved from one group of dinosaurs because Archaeopteryx exhibits characteristics of both birds and dinosaurs.
For example, Archaeopteryx had feathers like birds, but it also had teeth and a long bony tail like dinosaurs. This combination of features suggests that Archaeopteryx was a transitional form between dinosaurs and birds, with traits that were intermediate between the two groups.
Additionally, studies of Archaeopteryx's anatomy, including its skeletal structure and muscle attachments, show similarities to certain types of dinosaurs, particularly theropods. These similarities provide further evidence of the evolutionary link between birds and dinosaurs.
Overall, the fossil evidence of Archaeopteryx supports the theory that birds evolved from a group of dinosaurs, as it exhibits a combination of bird-like and dinosaur-like features that suggest a common ancestor.